Retired Madison County sheriff's deputy making difference to keep ‘these babies off the street'

Yahoo

22-07-2025

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Kimberly Zerrusen told us about this week's hero, Keith Reed.
Reed runs a nonprofit called 'Operation Making a Difference.'
Hands Across Decatur extends hours due to heat
Zerrusen's son was referred to his program several months ago. She says Reed is a hero in her eyes and in the eyes of many other parents. We tracked down Reed making a difference in north Huntsville.
'We are giving away all of our school supplies. We're giving away actually also clothing, giving away shoes. We're also giving away even appliances and things like that because we also have parents in here too that may need some different type of stuff,' said Reed.
So, where does he get all of these supplies and other items to give away?
'I collaborate with different organizations and everything like that. It just so happens that a lot of the stuff that came tonight actually came from our National Guard facility that's located out on Johnson Road. So they got together with us and said, hey, you know, we got some stuff we want to give away for the kids,' said Reed.
The items go to families that need them the most.
'We say we deal with at-risk youth, but we all know that everybody is at risk if you really think about it. So, everybody has all different types of definitions of being at risk. So, basically, we're just helping everybody out. We don't just deal just with the youth. We deal with the whole family because our program, they come here twice a week and they come here on Mondays and Thursdays,' said Reed.The children come to get their homework and other school work done, and the parents come once a week for parenting classes.
'The program is called Operation Making a Difference and, it's basically, the acronym is OMAD. So we're basically a program that deals with a lot of the kids right here within the Madison County area,' Reed said.
Reed spent 28 years as a sheriff's deputy in Madison County. He retired eight years ago but started OMAD while he was still working as a deputy.
'When I worked for the Madison County Sheriff's Office back in 1998, actually, I was working third shift when I got off work at third shift, go home, change clothes, and I'm in my office doing this right her and this is my passion. This is my ministry. This is what I do,' said Reed.
Madison County nonprofit holds back-to-school readiness program Saturday
So, why does he do what he does on a weekly basis?
'I am a product of Detroit, Michigan. Okay? I grew up in the streets, did gangs, did drugs, did all those types of things. I remember, years ago, I think when I was 10 years old, I had a cousin ask me say, well, well, Keith, what do you want to be when you grow up? I said I want to be a law enforcement officer,' said Reed.
Reed was nominated as a Hoover's Hero. Does he feel like a 'hero?'
'No sir, because I tell people all the time it's not about me. You know, we received awards for our program and everything like that or whatever. But like I tell you, it's not about me. This is about me serving my God. For me to be a vessel, to do what I have to do to keep these babies off the street,' said Reed.
Remember, if you know a hero in your community, you can nominate them for 'Hoover's Heroes.'
To nominate a hero in your community, you can fill out the form below. Then watch News 19 at 5 every Monday to see your hero and others get the recognition they deserve!
Submit a form.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Solve the daily Crossword